Milwaukee Washing beating Madison Lafollette last night will probably be one of the most exciting games I will see all year long. It was a high scoring fast paced game, that was dominated by guard play and those games are always the most entertaining. The final score was 84-73 and three players reached the 20 point mark and another four players reached double figures.
Early on the game went back and forth but, Lafollette was able to get the early lead behind the fast starts of guards 6'3 senior Chris Redman and 5'11 junior DJ Fuller. Washington countered that with 5'9 junior Terry Taylor scoring from all over the court and the rebounding of junior big men 6'5 Dominique Williams and 6'7 Jon Cathey-Macklin. Ultimately Lafollette grabbed the lead because they were knocking down their free throws and Washington wasn't, which was huge because this game was filled with fouls which slowed some players scoring down. In the third quarter Lafollette was able to maintain the lead as 6'0 senior Brett Klinkner came off the bench to knock down three, three point shots. Midway through the fourth quarter Lafollette was up by 11 with about fives minutes left in the game and that is when 6'3 senior Antoine Byrd and Washington took over. Washington went to the full court press which forced Lafollette into numerous turnovers and easy buckets. When Lafollette did get to the basket Cathey-Macklin was there to block their shots. In the end Washington turned the tables and won by 11 points.
I will say this Madison Lafollette is a much better team then I previously though but, they still lack a scoring post player which will hurt them in Big Eight play because the top teams in the conference all have very good big men. Lafollette appeared to be running a dribble drive offense which led to some open threes and then penetration by the guards that led to Lafollette spending a lot of time at the free throw line. If they can find a post game this team might be as good as everyone has said they are. With all their guards though it did surprise me that Washington's press gave them so much trouble but, that may be because the inexperience of the team around Fuller.
Milwaukee Washington will for sure have something to say about the City Conference title. Their guards make them go but, its their big men that make them a great team. Byrd can get to the lane anytime he wants and can pull up or go to the rim hard. Byrd along with Taylor and 5'9 senior Stanley Hobson played some very tough in your face defense. Their big men are very aggressive on the boards and seem to love rebounding which leads to them getting some easy second chance buckets.
Top Players
Chris Redman 6'3 senior Lafollette- A gunner that is always looking to score. When he penetrates has a very nice 15 foot shot and can finish at the hoop in a variety of ways.
DJ Fuller 5'11 junior Lafollette- As always is an ultra quick guard that can get to the hoop but, appears to have improved his outside shooting.
Brett Klinkner 6'0 senior Lafollette- Sharpshooter off the bench who hit four three pointers in the game.
Antoine Byrd 6'3 senior Washington- Can get to the hoop anytime he wants and can knock down the three, also very good at jumping the passing lanes on defense.
Terry Taylor 5'9 junior Washington- Very solid three point shooter and can get inside and finish with a nice little floater. Also another tenacious defender with quick hands.
Dominique Williams 6'5 junior Washington- Beast on the boards that can step out and hit the 15 footer.
Jon Cathey-Macklin 6'7 junior Washington- Another very aggressive rebounder and is very solid on the defense end as he had at least a handful of blocks in the game. Possibly the MVP of the game despite only scoring seven points.
Final Score
Milwaukee Washington 84
Madison Lafollette 73
Box Score
Washington- Byrd 27 Taylor 23 Queyvn Winters 10 Williams 8 Cathey-Macklin 7 Hobson 5 Tony Mayfield 4 Brian Garner 0 Eric Hair 0
Lafollette- Redman 20 Fuller 16 Klinker 12 Jon Dybevik 10 Stephan Marton 5 Ryan Waeffler 4 Jaren Singh 4 Lucas DuBois 2
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Baraboo over Wisconsin Dells
For a Wisconsin Dells fan this game was a very ugly game to watch. Luckily though this was the first game of the year and things should turn around after this. Honestly though there isn't much to write about this game. It wasn't pretty, exciting, and know one played that great.
The two big differences in this game was free throws and offensive rebounding. Baraboo made 26 free throws to the Dells 10. I'm not sure what Baraboo shot as a team but, Wisconsin Dells was 10-20 from the line and of those free throws senior Jade Royston was 5-6, so the rest of the team was 5-14 from the line. When Baraboo did miss those free throws it seemed they got the offensive rebound every time. That brings up another thing that the Dells did a poor job of and that is boxing out. Baraboo was able to get second and third chances down the court every time.
Offensively it seemed that no one wanted to shoot the ball outside of their star 6'0 Royston who struggled a bit tonight but, still finished with 15 points. The other preseason star for the Chiefs was 6'9 junior Nate Gibson but, he was almost a non-factor in the game aside from a few rebounds. The Dells passes were to soft leading to the ball being knocked away and when Gibson did get the ball he was unable to convert.
For Baraboo it was really a team effort as four different players had 8-12 points and eight different players made at least one free throw. No one really stood out.
Baraboo 51
Wisconsin Dells 33
Box Score
Baraboo- Mark Kowalke 12 Jake Overlein 9 Taylor Jahn 9 Chris Siebert 8 Jon Schlender 5 Ethan Dosier 4 Jake Banks 3 Pat O'Conner 1 Micah Kuchta 0 Tony Brandt 0 Jame Meiller 0
Dells- Royston 15 Gibson 5 Kyle Stowers 4 Jimmy Alvin 3 Justin Ward 3 Jake Williams 3 Jake Hall 0 Bobby Blaschke 0
Top Players
Taylor Jahn 6'4 senior Baraboo- Despite being outside by the bigger Gibson did a great job of getting Gibson in foul trouble and then was able to knock down the free throws.
Mark Kowalke 6'5 sophomore Baraboo- Came off the bench huge to score 12 points and lead the T-Birds in scoring and hit a huge three towards the end of the game.
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells- Struggled in this game but, did a good job of penetrating and getting fouled and making his free throws. Leading scorer with 15 points.
I know I didn't write much about this game but, there just wasn't much to write about like I said earlier. It was an ugly game from start to finish, hopefully things will turn around for the Chiefs.
The two big differences in this game was free throws and offensive rebounding. Baraboo made 26 free throws to the Dells 10. I'm not sure what Baraboo shot as a team but, Wisconsin Dells was 10-20 from the line and of those free throws senior Jade Royston was 5-6, so the rest of the team was 5-14 from the line. When Baraboo did miss those free throws it seemed they got the offensive rebound every time. That brings up another thing that the Dells did a poor job of and that is boxing out. Baraboo was able to get second and third chances down the court every time.
Offensively it seemed that no one wanted to shoot the ball outside of their star 6'0 Royston who struggled a bit tonight but, still finished with 15 points. The other preseason star for the Chiefs was 6'9 junior Nate Gibson but, he was almost a non-factor in the game aside from a few rebounds. The Dells passes were to soft leading to the ball being knocked away and when Gibson did get the ball he was unable to convert.
For Baraboo it was really a team effort as four different players had 8-12 points and eight different players made at least one free throw. No one really stood out.
Baraboo 51
Wisconsin Dells 33
Box Score
Baraboo- Mark Kowalke 12 Jake Overlein 9 Taylor Jahn 9 Chris Siebert 8 Jon Schlender 5 Ethan Dosier 4 Jake Banks 3 Pat O'Conner 1 Micah Kuchta 0 Tony Brandt 0 Jame Meiller 0
Dells- Royston 15 Gibson 5 Kyle Stowers 4 Jimmy Alvin 3 Justin Ward 3 Jake Williams 3 Jake Hall 0 Bobby Blaschke 0
Top Players
Taylor Jahn 6'4 senior Baraboo- Despite being outside by the bigger Gibson did a great job of getting Gibson in foul trouble and then was able to knock down the free throws.
Mark Kowalke 6'5 sophomore Baraboo- Came off the bench huge to score 12 points and lead the T-Birds in scoring and hit a huge three towards the end of the game.
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells- Struggled in this game but, did a good job of penetrating and getting fouled and making his free throws. Leading scorer with 15 points.
I know I didn't write much about this game but, there just wasn't much to write about like I said earlier. It was an ugly game from start to finish, hopefully things will turn around for the Chiefs.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Big Eight Conference Preview
In the Big Eight Conference Madison Memorial is easily the favorite for anyone that follows high school basketball at all. They have two division one recruits in 6'6 senior Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 junior Vander Blue, Maymon is considered the top player in the conference, and Memorial was the runner ups last year for D1 state. The rest of the conference predictions depend on who you talk to. Madison Lafollette, Verona, Janesville Craig, Beloit, and Madison East are all very even teams that will give good games night in and night out. Those five teams could finish in any order and I would not be surprised. Memorial may be the clear cut favorite but, after that the conference may be the most competitive that I have seen it since I began following high school basketball closely. Now on to my picks which seem to differ greatly from the picks of the yearbook and wishoops.
Predictions
1. Madison Memorial- I pretty much stated everything above. Maymon and Blue are great players and teamed with returning starter 6'3 junior Tre Creamer and an incoming freshmen from Canada that is supposedly a top player in the 2012 class.
2. Verona- 6'4 senior Jason Ziemer is a beast on the boards and in the paint and Verona is always a strong team year in and year out.
3. Janesville Craig- I know many people disagree with me on this but, I truly think Craig will be towards the top of the conference. They bring back 6'6 JoJo Pregont and 6'3 senior Kyle Goike, have a very good coach, and are a pretty tall team overall.
4. Madison East- Very strong post game with the return of mister everything 6'5 junior Marquis Mason, 6'7 senior James Bartelt, and 6'4 junior Jeff Hull off the bench. Their play hindges on their play of their guards and from highlights I've seen 5'10 sophomore Nimrod Hilliard should have no problem contributing big time at the varsity level.
5. Madison Lafollette- Almost everyone has Lafollette as a top 10 team in the state but, I just don't see it. 5'10 junior DJ Fuller is a great great player but, he's their only proven player. Their only post presence 6'6 senior Deonte Thompson has shown some flashes of brilliance but, there are rumors that he may not be playing this year.
6. Beloit- Can't see a Beloit team being towards the bottom of the conference two years in a row. They also return almost everyone and add 6'7 senior Terrell Parks.
7. Sun Praire- 6'1 juniors Michael Boos and Michael Handel are in their third year on varsity and should continue to make great strides.
8. Middleton- 6'0 senior Brooks Braga may be a one man team this year.
9. Madison West- Lost all of their starters from a year ago and don't seem to have a lot of discipline.
10. Janesville Parker- Well their Janseville Parker and they lost Riley Grafft from last year.
Conference Standings Predictions
1. Madison Memorial 18-0
2. Verona 14-4
3. Janesville Craig 13-5
4. Madison East 12-6
Madison Lafollette 12-6
6. Beloit 8-10
7. Sun Praire 5-13
8. Middleton 4-14
9. Madison West 2-16
10. Janesville Parker 1-17
All Conference 1st Team
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 senior Madison Memorial
Marquis Mason 6'5 junior Madison East
Jason Ziemer 6'4 senior Verona
Vander Blue 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
DJ Fuller 5'10 junior Madison Lafollette
2nd Team
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig
Brooks Braga 6'0 senior Middleton
Michael Boos 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig
Adam Wadzinski 6'3 junior Verona
3rd Team
Nimrod Hilliard 5'10 sophomore Madison East
Michael Handel 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Tre Creamer 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
Jahil Smith 6'1 junior Beloit
Terrell Parks 6'7 senior Beloit
This is the last of my preseason predictions. After this week if I see a few more games I will probably begin my player and team rankings.
Predictions
1. Madison Memorial- I pretty much stated everything above. Maymon and Blue are great players and teamed with returning starter 6'3 junior Tre Creamer and an incoming freshmen from Canada that is supposedly a top player in the 2012 class.
2. Verona- 6'4 senior Jason Ziemer is a beast on the boards and in the paint and Verona is always a strong team year in and year out.
3. Janesville Craig- I know many people disagree with me on this but, I truly think Craig will be towards the top of the conference. They bring back 6'6 JoJo Pregont and 6'3 senior Kyle Goike, have a very good coach, and are a pretty tall team overall.
4. Madison East- Very strong post game with the return of mister everything 6'5 junior Marquis Mason, 6'7 senior James Bartelt, and 6'4 junior Jeff Hull off the bench. Their play hindges on their play of their guards and from highlights I've seen 5'10 sophomore Nimrod Hilliard should have no problem contributing big time at the varsity level.
5. Madison Lafollette- Almost everyone has Lafollette as a top 10 team in the state but, I just don't see it. 5'10 junior DJ Fuller is a great great player but, he's their only proven player. Their only post presence 6'6 senior Deonte Thompson has shown some flashes of brilliance but, there are rumors that he may not be playing this year.
6. Beloit- Can't see a Beloit team being towards the bottom of the conference two years in a row. They also return almost everyone and add 6'7 senior Terrell Parks.
7. Sun Praire- 6'1 juniors Michael Boos and Michael Handel are in their third year on varsity and should continue to make great strides.
8. Middleton- 6'0 senior Brooks Braga may be a one man team this year.
9. Madison West- Lost all of their starters from a year ago and don't seem to have a lot of discipline.
10. Janesville Parker- Well their Janseville Parker and they lost Riley Grafft from last year.
Conference Standings Predictions
1. Madison Memorial 18-0
2. Verona 14-4
3. Janesville Craig 13-5
4. Madison East 12-6
Madison Lafollette 12-6
6. Beloit 8-10
7. Sun Praire 5-13
8. Middleton 4-14
9. Madison West 2-16
10. Janesville Parker 1-17
All Conference 1st Team
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 senior Madison Memorial
Marquis Mason 6'5 junior Madison East
Jason Ziemer 6'4 senior Verona
Vander Blue 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
DJ Fuller 5'10 junior Madison Lafollette
2nd Team
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig
Brooks Braga 6'0 senior Middleton
Michael Boos 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig
Adam Wadzinski 6'3 junior Verona
3rd Team
Nimrod Hilliard 5'10 sophomore Madison East
Michael Handel 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Tre Creamer 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
Jahil Smith 6'1 junior Beloit
Terrell Parks 6'7 senior Beloit
This is the last of my preseason predictions. After this week if I see a few more games I will probably begin my player and team rankings.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Janesville Craig over Madison Edgewood
Tonight I took in my first high school basketball game of the year. I went down to Madison to check out the Edgewood vs Craig game. As usual Edgewood is a very undersized team that has a lot of scrappy players that give 110%. Edgewoods only real height is their star senior Derek Braucht who is 6'6 but, is not much of a low post player and whose game is more suited to the perimeter. Janesville Craig is a team with some height that has a very good inside game but, lacks any perimeter scoring.
The game started off with Craig taking an early lead using their size to score on the inside. Craig came out in a man to man defense which surprised me a bit since last year they played mostly zone but, then I realized they were switching on nearly every cut and pick, so it was basically the same defense as last year. The two big men for Craig, a pair of 6'6 seniors Will Clanfield and JoJo Pregont, were able to use a nice high low game to get Craig going early on. 6'3 senior Kyle Goike was also able to knock down a pair of three pointers to help pace the Cougars. Edgewood was able to hang tough as they were able to dominate the boards despite being vastly out sized by Craig and were able to knock down some threes, including a three at the buzzer that sent the game to halftime tied at 23 a piece. Braucht carried Edgewood for the first half scoring half of the teams points primarily by penetrating to the inside. AJ Fredricks came off the bench for Craig looking to score right away and was probably the leading scorer in the second quarter.
In the second half Edgewood came out looking to press and were able to force Craig into some turnovers and some erratic play on the offensive end. Pregont as still able to get out on a few fast breaks though and finish a couple and one baskets. The second half also saw Edgewoods bench make an impression with 5'10 senior Scott Hird knocking down a big three and then a long two late in the game. Craigs height ended up being too much in the end as Pregont had a big fourth quarter on the defensive end having about five blocks as well as being able to get back inside and score on offense. Goike knocked down a three at the end to help seal the game. Edgewood did have their chances though as they missed a pair of free throws at the end that could of tied the game.
Final Score
Janesville Craig 49
Madison Edgewood 46
Box Score
Craig- J. Pregont 18, Goike 15, Fredricks 7, Brad Cagney 4, Joe Kennedy 3, Clanfield 2, Cody Dare 0, Keith Wright 0, Brett Bates 0, Michael Pregont 0
Edgewood- Braucht 17, Hird 8, Mario Minnart 7, Patrick Lagman 5, Christiaan Wabers 5, Bruin Armwald 2, Connor Balczewski 2, Joe Docter 0, Michael Eshun 0, Noah Kachelski 0
Top Players
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid in the post on the offensive and defensive end. Great shot blocker on defense. On offense scores in the post, in transition, and is a solid free throw shooter.
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid three point shooter. If he has time to set his feet Goike will knock down the shot.
AJ Fredricks 6'2 senior Janesville Craig- As I mentioned earlier a bench player that comes in looking to score right away. Maybe shoots a little too much but, goes to the hoop hard and can knock down the outside shot. Is also a very solid aggressive defensive player.
Derek Braucht 6'6 senior Madison Edgewood- Has a very smooth outside game. Will be able to play at the next level as a perimeter player but, forced to play inside because of Edgewood's lack of height. I love how he lets the game come to him and doesn't force too much. When the threes there he takes it or when they can't get anything going on offense he looks to penetrate and score or get fouled.
Scott Hird 5'10 senior Madison Edgewood- Another kid that came off the bench looking to score. As mentioned early came in and knocked down some big shots.
Within the next two days I'll be doing a preview of the Big Eight conference and will be checking out the Dells game on Tuesday and then possible the Madison Lafollete vs Milwaukee Washington on Saturday.
The game started off with Craig taking an early lead using their size to score on the inside. Craig came out in a man to man defense which surprised me a bit since last year they played mostly zone but, then I realized they were switching on nearly every cut and pick, so it was basically the same defense as last year. The two big men for Craig, a pair of 6'6 seniors Will Clanfield and JoJo Pregont, were able to use a nice high low game to get Craig going early on. 6'3 senior Kyle Goike was also able to knock down a pair of three pointers to help pace the Cougars. Edgewood was able to hang tough as they were able to dominate the boards despite being vastly out sized by Craig and were able to knock down some threes, including a three at the buzzer that sent the game to halftime tied at 23 a piece. Braucht carried Edgewood for the first half scoring half of the teams points primarily by penetrating to the inside. AJ Fredricks came off the bench for Craig looking to score right away and was probably the leading scorer in the second quarter.
In the second half Edgewood came out looking to press and were able to force Craig into some turnovers and some erratic play on the offensive end. Pregont as still able to get out on a few fast breaks though and finish a couple and one baskets. The second half also saw Edgewoods bench make an impression with 5'10 senior Scott Hird knocking down a big three and then a long two late in the game. Craigs height ended up being too much in the end as Pregont had a big fourth quarter on the defensive end having about five blocks as well as being able to get back inside and score on offense. Goike knocked down a three at the end to help seal the game. Edgewood did have their chances though as they missed a pair of free throws at the end that could of tied the game.
Final Score
Janesville Craig 49
Madison Edgewood 46
Box Score
Craig- J. Pregont 18, Goike 15, Fredricks 7, Brad Cagney 4, Joe Kennedy 3, Clanfield 2, Cody Dare 0, Keith Wright 0, Brett Bates 0, Michael Pregont 0
Edgewood- Braucht 17, Hird 8, Mario Minnart 7, Patrick Lagman 5, Christiaan Wabers 5, Bruin Armwald 2, Connor Balczewski 2, Joe Docter 0, Michael Eshun 0, Noah Kachelski 0
Top Players
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid in the post on the offensive and defensive end. Great shot blocker on defense. On offense scores in the post, in transition, and is a solid free throw shooter.
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid three point shooter. If he has time to set his feet Goike will knock down the shot.
AJ Fredricks 6'2 senior Janesville Craig- As I mentioned earlier a bench player that comes in looking to score right away. Maybe shoots a little too much but, goes to the hoop hard and can knock down the outside shot. Is also a very solid aggressive defensive player.
Derek Braucht 6'6 senior Madison Edgewood- Has a very smooth outside game. Will be able to play at the next level as a perimeter player but, forced to play inside because of Edgewood's lack of height. I love how he lets the game come to him and doesn't force too much. When the threes there he takes it or when they can't get anything going on offense he looks to penetrate and score or get fouled.
Scott Hird 5'10 senior Madison Edgewood- Another kid that came off the bench looking to score. As mentioned early came in and knocked down some big shots.
Within the next two days I'll be doing a preview of the Big Eight conference and will be checking out the Dells game on Tuesday and then possible the Madison Lafollete vs Milwaukee Washington on Saturday.
Friday, November 28, 2008
South Central Preview
Being that I am from Wisconsin Dells I follow the home team fairly closely, which means that I follow the South Central pretty close. I will admit that I focuses most of my attention to the top two teams in the conference Wisconsin Dells and Adams Friendship. This is because WD is my home team and Adams is really the only other good team in the conference. The remaining teams in the conference are pretty low level and they last few years the only teams with over .500 conference records are Adams and the Dells.
Once again the conference will come down to the top two teams. Adams was the state runner ups in division two last year but, took a huge hit when it was announced that senior Tommie Gaston, one of the top players in the state, will not be at Adams Friendship this year. Despite the loss of Gaston Adams should be right there with Wisconsin Dells for the top team. They bring back their top scorer 6'1 senior Lance Fritz who will probably see his scoring average increase even more with the departure of Gaston, and 6'4 junior Bryce Wormet, who was the sixth man last year but, showed some flashes of brilliance last year and I expect him to have a huge year.
Wisconsin Dells will also be a two man show with the return of 6'0 senior Jade Royston who was a 20 point scorer a year ago and 6'9 junior big man Nate Gibson. Royston has a very smooth shot from 15 foot out to through point range and last year really started to open up his game a bit by taking the ball to the hoop more. Gibson right now is pretty raw at this point but, he's 6'9 and that means he's a game changed. Gibson has a real nice hook shot that he uses with his back to the basket and from what I've heard has had a nice summer.
Mauston will probably finish third in the conference as 6'4 senior Tyler Tardiff is a returning first team all conference player and is another guy that had a strong off season. The Golden Eagles also have 6'0 senior Brian Hall back who average 10 points a game last year. Wautoma is next in line coming off a very successful football season and have three starters back including 5'9 senior Ryan Renner who average 13 points a game a year ago. Nekoosa brings back three starters and appear to have quite a few guys in the 6'2 and 6'3 range that should contribute. Westfield should be bottom of the barrel again as it appears that they do not have a player over 6'1.
Predicted Conference Finish
1. Adams Friendship 9-1
Wisconsin Dells 9-1
3. Mauston 5-5
4. Wautoma 4-6
5. Nekoosa 2-8
6. Westfield 1-9
All Conference 1st Team
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells
Lance Fritz 6'1 senior Adams Friendship
Tyler Tardiff 6'4 senior Mauston
Bryce Wormet 6'4 junior Adams Friendship
Nate Gibson 6'9 junior Wisconsin Dells
2nd Team
Ryan Renner 5'9 senior Wautoma
Brian Hall 6'0 senior Mauston
Logan Nelson 6'0 senior Nekoosa
Sean Wise 6'2 senior Wautoma
Tony Kuchta 5'11 senior Adams Friendship
HM
Jimmy Alvin 5'11 senior Wisconsin Dells
Nick Mittelstedt 6'1 senior Westfield
Parker Detjens 6'4 senior Wautoma
I know I was a little harsh to the rest of the teams outside of Adams and Wisconsin Dells but, the truth is no one else has really competed with those two teams since the conference lost Lodi and Poynette and added Wautoma. Tomorrow I will be focusing on the Big Eight conference and may be taking in the Janesville Craig vs Madison Edgewood game tomorrow night.
Once again the conference will come down to the top two teams. Adams was the state runner ups in division two last year but, took a huge hit when it was announced that senior Tommie Gaston, one of the top players in the state, will not be at Adams Friendship this year. Despite the loss of Gaston Adams should be right there with Wisconsin Dells for the top team. They bring back their top scorer 6'1 senior Lance Fritz who will probably see his scoring average increase even more with the departure of Gaston, and 6'4 junior Bryce Wormet, who was the sixth man last year but, showed some flashes of brilliance last year and I expect him to have a huge year.
Wisconsin Dells will also be a two man show with the return of 6'0 senior Jade Royston who was a 20 point scorer a year ago and 6'9 junior big man Nate Gibson. Royston has a very smooth shot from 15 foot out to through point range and last year really started to open up his game a bit by taking the ball to the hoop more. Gibson right now is pretty raw at this point but, he's 6'9 and that means he's a game changed. Gibson has a real nice hook shot that he uses with his back to the basket and from what I've heard has had a nice summer.
Mauston will probably finish third in the conference as 6'4 senior Tyler Tardiff is a returning first team all conference player and is another guy that had a strong off season. The Golden Eagles also have 6'0 senior Brian Hall back who average 10 points a game last year. Wautoma is next in line coming off a very successful football season and have three starters back including 5'9 senior Ryan Renner who average 13 points a game a year ago. Nekoosa brings back three starters and appear to have quite a few guys in the 6'2 and 6'3 range that should contribute. Westfield should be bottom of the barrel again as it appears that they do not have a player over 6'1.
Predicted Conference Finish
1. Adams Friendship 9-1
Wisconsin Dells 9-1
3. Mauston 5-5
4. Wautoma 4-6
5. Nekoosa 2-8
6. Westfield 1-9
All Conference 1st Team
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells
Lance Fritz 6'1 senior Adams Friendship
Tyler Tardiff 6'4 senior Mauston
Bryce Wormet 6'4 junior Adams Friendship
Nate Gibson 6'9 junior Wisconsin Dells
2nd Team
Ryan Renner 5'9 senior Wautoma
Brian Hall 6'0 senior Mauston
Logan Nelson 6'0 senior Nekoosa
Sean Wise 6'2 senior Wautoma
Tony Kuchta 5'11 senior Adams Friendship
HM
Jimmy Alvin 5'11 senior Wisconsin Dells
Nick Mittelstedt 6'1 senior Westfield
Parker Detjens 6'4 senior Wautoma
I know I was a little harsh to the rest of the teams outside of Adams and Wisconsin Dells but, the truth is no one else has really competed with those two teams since the conference lost Lodi and Poynette and added Wautoma. Tomorrow I will be focusing on the Big Eight conference and may be taking in the Janesville Craig vs Madison Edgewood game tomorrow night.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Division Four Preview
Division four comes down to a two team race. The race is between the perennial D4 powerhouse Randolph and Benton who has been unable to get past Randolph the previous two years but, have had an exceptional summer and return four starters from last years team. The edge still goes to Randolph though because they have the big 6'9 junior Kyle Kelm.
1. Randolph- Third year starter 6'3 Tyler Tillema carries on the Tillema and Randolph tradition teaming with Kyle Kelm.
2. Benton- Hendricks twins and Kane Hoffman form the best backcourt in D4 if not the entire state.
3. Hillsboro- Three starters return and are led by 6'5 junior Pat Alexander.
4. Barneveld- Senior Pat Clerkin is in his fourth year on varsity while junior Logan Johnson is in his third.
5. Burlington Catholic Central- Extremely tough regular season should prepare Hilltoppers for post season.
6. Blair Taylor- Strong tradition and an impressive jv team should lead to success.
7. Wisconsin Rapids Assumption- Defending Marawood champs bring back two starters.
8. Fall River- Pirates bring back an impressive lead guard and double digit scorer.
9. Spring Valley- Cardinals are led by a pair of impressive guards.
10. Port Edwards- Only lost one player from last years team.
HM
Cochrane-Fountain City
North Crawford
Marshfield Columbus
1st Team
Kyle Kelm 6'9 junior Randolph
Tyler Tillema 6'3 senior Randolph
Connor Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Jordan Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Kane Hoffmann 6'0 senior Benton
2nd Team
Pat Alexander 6'5 junior Hillsboro
John Schmidtknecht 6'6 senior Cochrane-Fountain City
Logan Johnson 6'3 junior Barneveld
Brendan Bauer 6'4 senior Gilmanton
Brad Brooks 6'4 junior Green Lake
3rd Team
Patrick Clerkin 6'2 senior Barneveld
Tyler Bosshard 5'10 senior Spring Valley
Michael Droessler 6'3 junior Benton
Reese Hartlage 6'3 senior Catholic Central
Brian Brooks 6'3 senior Destiny
I know its pretty unheard of to have two teams make up the first team but, I truly think that Benton and Randolph are just that far ahead of the class in D4. The only other player that I even considered possibly being first team was Pat Alexander otherwise the rest off the picks were pretty easy. In the following days I'll be doing preseason picks for the two conferences I follow the closely. The South Central and the Big Eight.
1. Randolph- Third year starter 6'3 Tyler Tillema carries on the Tillema and Randolph tradition teaming with Kyle Kelm.
2. Benton- Hendricks twins and Kane Hoffman form the best backcourt in D4 if not the entire state.
3. Hillsboro- Three starters return and are led by 6'5 junior Pat Alexander.
4. Barneveld- Senior Pat Clerkin is in his fourth year on varsity while junior Logan Johnson is in his third.
5. Burlington Catholic Central- Extremely tough regular season should prepare Hilltoppers for post season.
6. Blair Taylor- Strong tradition and an impressive jv team should lead to success.
7. Wisconsin Rapids Assumption- Defending Marawood champs bring back two starters.
8. Fall River- Pirates bring back an impressive lead guard and double digit scorer.
9. Spring Valley- Cardinals are led by a pair of impressive guards.
10. Port Edwards- Only lost one player from last years team.
HM
Cochrane-Fountain City
North Crawford
Marshfield Columbus
1st Team
Kyle Kelm 6'9 junior Randolph
Tyler Tillema 6'3 senior Randolph
Connor Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Jordan Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Kane Hoffmann 6'0 senior Benton
2nd Team
Pat Alexander 6'5 junior Hillsboro
John Schmidtknecht 6'6 senior Cochrane-Fountain City
Logan Johnson 6'3 junior Barneveld
Brendan Bauer 6'4 senior Gilmanton
Brad Brooks 6'4 junior Green Lake
3rd Team
Patrick Clerkin 6'2 senior Barneveld
Tyler Bosshard 5'10 senior Spring Valley
Michael Droessler 6'3 junior Benton
Reese Hartlage 6'3 senior Catholic Central
Brian Brooks 6'3 senior Destiny
I know its pretty unheard of to have two teams make up the first team but, I truly think that Benton and Randolph are just that far ahead of the class in D4. The only other player that I even considered possibly being first team was Pat Alexander otherwise the rest off the picks were pretty easy. In the following days I'll be doing preseason picks for the two conferences I follow the closely. The South Central and the Big Eight.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Divison Three Preseason
Division three might be the most interesting division in the state. There are just so many good teams that could probably compete with most of the top D1 schools. This division also brings the most controversy with the private verse public debate. Since private schools have join the WIAA this division has been dominated by privates and this year should be no different.
1. Racine St Catherines- St Cats bring back four starters from last year and are led by a trio of 6'3 seniors in the Lawson twins and Jake Thomas.
2. Eau Claire Regis- State team a year ago, return their two best players in 6'3 junior Adam Ganske and 5'11 junior Jack Eaton.
3. Lacrosse Aquinas- Defending state champs return seniors 6'1 Jimmy Whitehead and 6'7 Michael Hanson.
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always tough Knights bring back 5'11 senior Jerrel Harris and 6'4 junior Mikael Luter along with most of their bench.
5. Laconia- 6'3 senior Derek Semenas is a D1 recruit that can go off at any time.
6. Marshall- Bring back lots of experience and height.
7. Milwaukee Northwest- Coming out of the City Conference they will be well prepared for tournament play.
8. Manitowoc Roncalli- Strong tradition and emergence of 6'0 sophomore Ben Stelzer should carry team.
9. Luck- D4 state team year ago brings back 6'5 senior Brennan Olson.
10. Cuba City- Scrappy team is led by sharpshooter 6'2 junior Evan Richard.
HM
Hurley
Amherst
Fall Creek
Brillion
Preseason All State
1st Team
Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Derem Semenas 6'3 senior Laconia
Javar Lawson 6'3 senior Racine St Catherines
Jake Thomas 6'3 senior Raince St Catherines
Adam Ganske 6'3 junior Eau Claire Regis
2nd Team
Jerrel Harris 5'11 senior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Brennan Olson 6'5 senior Luck
Mike Boebel 6'6 senior Marshall
Jordan Reetz 6'5 junior Fall Creek
Jack Eaton 5'11 junior Eau Claire Regis
3rd Team
Michael Hanson 6'7 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Mikael Luter 6'4 junior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Daulton Levra 5'8 junior Hurley
Nate Martin 6'1 senior Amherst
Evan Richard 6'2 junior Cuba City
I will admit I show some favoritism to players that I have actually seen in person, just because its so difficult to rank players based on what others say. Well in the next coming days will be D4 preview and the season will begin in a week.
1. Racine St Catherines- St Cats bring back four starters from last year and are led by a trio of 6'3 seniors in the Lawson twins and Jake Thomas.
2. Eau Claire Regis- State team a year ago, return their two best players in 6'3 junior Adam Ganske and 5'11 junior Jack Eaton.
3. Lacrosse Aquinas- Defending state champs return seniors 6'1 Jimmy Whitehead and 6'7 Michael Hanson.
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always tough Knights bring back 5'11 senior Jerrel Harris and 6'4 junior Mikael Luter along with most of their bench.
5. Laconia- 6'3 senior Derek Semenas is a D1 recruit that can go off at any time.
6. Marshall- Bring back lots of experience and height.
7. Milwaukee Northwest- Coming out of the City Conference they will be well prepared for tournament play.
8. Manitowoc Roncalli- Strong tradition and emergence of 6'0 sophomore Ben Stelzer should carry team.
9. Luck- D4 state team year ago brings back 6'5 senior Brennan Olson.
10. Cuba City- Scrappy team is led by sharpshooter 6'2 junior Evan Richard.
HM
Hurley
Amherst
Fall Creek
Brillion
Preseason All State
1st Team
Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Derem Semenas 6'3 senior Laconia
Javar Lawson 6'3 senior Racine St Catherines
Jake Thomas 6'3 senior Raince St Catherines
Adam Ganske 6'3 junior Eau Claire Regis
2nd Team
Jerrel Harris 5'11 senior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Brennan Olson 6'5 senior Luck
Mike Boebel 6'6 senior Marshall
Jordan Reetz 6'5 junior Fall Creek
Jack Eaton 5'11 junior Eau Claire Regis
3rd Team
Michael Hanson 6'7 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Mikael Luter 6'4 junior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Daulton Levra 5'8 junior Hurley
Nate Martin 6'1 senior Amherst
Evan Richard 6'2 junior Cuba City
I will admit I show some favoritism to players that I have actually seen in person, just because its so difficult to rank players based on what others say. Well in the next coming days will be D4 preview and the season will begin in a week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)